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Drugs Causing Cataract



  1. One of the main culprits is the excessive and long-term use of steroids. Steroids are used in many conditions like bronchial asthma, arthritis and many other allergic and autoimmune conditions. Steroids also cause a much more serious condition i.e. steroid induced glaucoma. Steroid intake in any form, either as tablets, eye- drops, skin creams or even inhaled as in asthma can cause this problem. Those patients on long term steroids need regular checkup of the eyes.

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  2. Certain anti- psychotics like chlorpromazine are also known to cause cataracts. Though they are not directly related to cataract formation they may increase the predisposition of the lens to opacification due to solar irradiation.

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  3. Long term miotic therapy used in the treatment of some glaucoma's can cause cataracts. Pilocarpine is one such drug.

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  4. PUVA therapy used in some skin disorders is also implicated. However the concomitant sun exposure used in this treatment may also be the culprit.

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  5. Drugs like napthalene, dinitrophenol, p-dichlorobenzene and other orally ingested compounds are also strongly implicated in cataract formation. Dinitrophenol was previously prescribed for obesity.

 

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